Whole Group...Minus Six

Fractions101 was an interesting unit to say the least.  Teaching this unit (or any unit for that matter) the three weeks before winter break can be a challenge.  The students are excited and counting down the days, and needless to say, it can be difficult for fifth graders to be productive and on task.

As mentioned in my previous post, the students had very little prior knowledge when it came to fractions.  After making a few attempts at running math groups/math workshop, it was deemed too hectic, and things needed to change.  So a group of six students was allowed to move at a quicker pace and receive some enrichment along the way.  This reduced the number of students in the whole group, and allowed for more focused instruction.  The lesson was extended for the whole group to roughly 40 minutes.  Small groups were pulled on a daily basis for roughly 15 minutes at the end of the lesson based on sensed needs during class.  

The results are interesting...fewer students mastered 90% or more of the material.  This does not surprise me, for the lack of small group attention makes a great difference on fixing those small mistakes I am not able to notice when working with a large group.  The unit assessment was full of simple mistakes that I know I would have been able to work on and correct in a small group setting.  Another observation of the data is that more students fall into category of knowing 70% or less.  Although I obviously do not expect ALL students to master 100% of the material, I would at least like to see at least 80% knowing  at least 80% of the material.  

I found that the accelerated group was a HUGE success.  The students demonstrated all aspects of DESCA wonderfully. They were helpful to one another, and the inquiry and teaching taking place was outstanding.  The took great ownership in knowing that they had the power to teach themselves what I could teach them.  They used the iPads for time to time, as well as an extra teacher manual to assist in their learning when material got challenging.  I will keep this group going, for the fewer bodies in the room was helpful to me and managing the other groups, and yet the students in the group benefitted greatly, too.   

Series 1 is Preview the Year taught whole group

Series 2 is Addition/Subtraction/Multiplication taught in small groups

Series 3 is Division taught in small groups

Series 4 is Fractions101 taught whole group...with six students pulled out for accelerated learning.